The Black Student Union held its annual fashion show at the East Gym on Friday night. Alumni from this group gathered at an anniversary banquet, held on Saturday night in the Susquehanna Room at the University Union.

Friday's Late Nite Madness was a hit with students and alumni alike. Admission was free and so was food, Bearcat gear, raffles and prizes. The event included performances by the Bearcat pep band and spirit squad and introductions to the men's and women's basketball teams.

When asked about what he liked most about Late Nite Madness, Doug Neva said, "Late Nite Madness has good atmosphere, and there's lots of students."

Students Melissa Cioci and Kailee Karst enjoyed the prizes the most. When asked what they'd like to see at next year's Madness, Karst said, "Bring back the Simon Says guy. He was really fun."

Alumni kicked off their Saturday festivities with the Founders Club breakfast, a celebration of the graduating classes of 1958-62. As alumni gathered in the Bearcat Club Room at the Events Center, smiles and warm greetings were exchanged as classmates and friends reminisced and shared memories of Binghamton University’s beginnings at Harpur.

"I remember sitting in classes where our professors had written the textbook," said Tom Hull '60, a graduate of the Business Administration program at Harpur who had been encouraged by IBM to continue his education.

"It was rugged, but we had a very close relationship with each other and with our professors," said Jean Blesh '50, a Psychology graduate and a veteran of WAC. "Most of us were veterans, so that made us even closer.”

"I remember really enjoying the small classes and top notch teaching," said Michael Jabo '49 (pictured with Carole Dickenson). "Harpur left me with the skills I needed to be successful in my field. I can still remember how good it felt to be on that bus ride there everyday."

Students of the School of Management attended an early morning panel discussion on Saturday, at which 17 industry professionals and alumni shared their advice and experiences working in the field. From interview techniques to first job mishaps, the panelists discussed and gave advice the important skills one needs when entering into any career field.

"I think listening and learning is the best part," said Uvarshanie Nandram '09, a senior global management and finance major and a third-time attendee of the panels. "It's something students shouldn't miss. It's definitely worth it."

In addition, moderators reminded students of what sets them apart from other universities: their commitment to working hard to meet their goals.

"Binghamton University students have an advantage," said Dean Uphinder Dhillon of the School of Management. "They come in with a can-do attitude, which sets them apart from all of the other schools. They have been recognized as having something special."

Alumni and their families enjoyed an exciting Saturday morning of arts and crafts in the Fine Arts Building. Children and their parents followed a path of paper yellow bricks and footsteps to room 214 to participate in various painting activities, each of which let creativity shine.

"So far, it's been great fun," said Jennifer Riegler, wife of Steven Riegler '92 (pictured), as she and her daughter Emily, 3, washed off some paint, after creating a turkey and decorating a colorful mug.

Just upstairs, room 302 was filled with alumni and their families learning the art printmaking from professors Kathryn Niles '93 and Alexandra Davis.

"Last year, it was fabulous and we had so much fun," said Niles. "We had a great time and that prompted us to do this again."